(a) Continuances. A continuance may be granted only upon good cause shown. The motion for continuance may be oral unless the court requires that it be written. The action shall be set again for trial as soon as practicable and the parties shall be given timely notice.
(b) Settlements. Settlements in full or by installment payments made by the parties out of the presence of the court are encouraged. The plaintiff shall notify the clerk of settlement, and the case may be dismissed or continued pending payments. Upon failure of a party to perform the terms of any stipulation or agreement for settlement of the claim before judgment, the court may enter appropriate judgment without notice upon the creditor’s filing of an affidavit of the amount due.
(a) Postponing a Court Date: A "continuance" is a request to postpone a scheduled court date. A continuance will only be granted if you show the judge "good cause" (a valid reason). The request can usually be made orally in court, but the judge can require it to be in writing.
(b) Reaching a Settlement: The court encourages parties to settle their cases on their own. If you reach an agreement, the plaintiff must inform the clerk. The case can then either be dismissed, or it can be kept open ("continued") while payments are being made according to the agreement.
Important: If you agree to a settlement and then fail to follow through (for example, by missing payments), the other party can file a sworn statement (an affidavit) with the court. Based on that affidavit, the judge can enter a final judgment against you for the amount owed **without another hearing.**
